President Tsai Ing-wen has met with the third federal-level US delegation to arrive in Taiwan in just the past month. On Friday, it was Tennessee Senator Marsha Blackburn’s turn to receive an official welcome at the Presidential Office in Taipei. That’s after trips by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Democrat Senator Ed Markey.
Blackburn says the United States and Taiwan share common values. Countries that love freedom and democracy, she says, should give Taiwan their support.
The Republican senator also highlighted the issues Tennessee’s automotive industry is facing because of a global shortage of semiconductor chips. She says she looks forward to seeing the US federal government sign more deals with American allies to secure the country’s semiconductor supply.
Transportation equipment was Tennessee’s top export in 2020, and Taiwan is the world’s leading manufacturer of the most advanced semiconductors.
President Tsai says she’s happy to see Taiwanese companies invest in the United States. She says Taiwan is ready to work even more with US authorities on semiconductors and other high-tech products.